uptimes_on_discord [New Game Plus]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== Uptimes on Discord ======

Uptime refers to the live sessions on Tuesday evenings where players are allowed to interact with each other and the game world in the //New Game Plus// [[https://discord.gg/paYACUQFRF|Discord server]]. Each session lasts from 19:00 to 22:00 BST.

During Uptime, you will describe the actions your characters take in the world of Mydreign and act out scenes in real time. Meanwhile, GMs will play NPCs, adjudicate the outcome of certain actions taken by players, and take small groups of players on GM-led scenes called Linears. In Linears, players will tell GMs what their characters are doing to overcome a specific obstacle, and GMs will narrate the outcome of those actions. Actions you may take during Uptime include:

  * Talking to PCs and NPCs in the channels available
  * Attempting to achieve something, possibly by using your character's [[skills|Skills]] and [[quirks|Quirks]]
  * Exploring locations represented by location channels
  * Going on a Linear run by a GM -- these will mostly be advertised before sessions on the [[news|Quest Board]], but some could arise within the sessions based on player interest

==== Calls ====

There are various one-word messages players or GMs can send during Uptime to convey a message quickly, either to give OC information or to make the game safer. Please familiarise yourself with what they mean in the [[glossary#uptime_glossary_including_safety_calls|Glossary]] or the [[conduct-acceptable-themes#conduct|Conduct & Acceptable Themes]] pages. If you see anyone use one of these Calls during Uptime, please respect it immediately.

===== Using Discord in Uptime =====

All Uptimes will take place on a Discord server dedicated to //New Game Plus//. Below is information on various aspects of using the Discord server.

If you ever need to contact a GM during Uptime, either because you think there are technical issues, you wish to ask questions, or you require adjudication on a certain action, tag a GM in a message with “@GM” or “@<their server nickname>”. The GMs will be listed under the “GM” subheading in the user sidebar on the right-hand side.

==== Channels ====

During Uptime, you will have access to text channels, both IC and OC. Channels will be listed in the channel sidebar on the left-hand side and will be appropriately named so it is clear what they are for. Channel names always start with a # (hash) symbol. Selecting one will allow you to view it and, if you have permission to do so, type in it. Some channels may be read-only, either temporarily or permanently.

OC communication can be performed in IC channels, but must be made clear using square brackets around the OC text, [like this].

Channels will be grouped into categories, as described below:

=== OC Channels ===

The //New Game Plus// server will feature a list of clearly marked OC channels for out-of-character information and communication. This will include announcements, a general chat, a place for shitposting, asking for tech support, and various channels for art, playlists, and email collages. OC channels will remain visible to players at all times, and will be the topmost channels in the channel sidebar so as to be the most easily accessible.

=== Physical Location Channels ===

Some of the channels represent physical locations within Mydreign, which will allow your character to go to these locations and for you to describe what they do in them. You should only be typing in one physical location channel at a time. Most players use //italicised text// (achieved by putting asterisks around your text *like this* on Discord) to narrate the actions your character takes and normal text or text with speech marks for speech.

During Uptime, PC movement is represented by switching between physical location channels. Generally, you will only be able to see one category of channels, representing one of the regions. You will be able to move between locations freely within these categories (e.g. within the [[heartwood|Heartwood]], you can move from Secha Town to the Orchards and vice versa), but to move to a different region, please use the ''/travel'' command for The Bot That Takes You Places. IC, this is represented by your character walking to a new area, or being carried by //The Bird That Takes You Places//.

Some channels may be secret and cannot be reached via The Bird That Takes You Places. In these instances, you will need to ping a GM and request to be moved to that channel. We ask that you are patient when you request access to a new location, as the GMs will also be managing other things happening in Uptime.

=== IC Global Channels ===

Some public in-character channels are available from anywhere in the world, representing various methods of long-distance communication. Use of these channels will be more restricted than location channels, including the use of slowmode.

Any character can send messages in and read messages from these channels, so long as they have access to the appropriate locations, objects, or abilities.

One such form of communication are the **Echo Stones**, a type of structure spread throughout the land of Mydreign. Anyone touching one of these stones can record a message to be read from any other stone. The Hero might have had some additional uses for them...

=== Private Channels ===

Some items (for example, the [[magic#Magic Items|Sending Stones]]) will allow for private channels between a smaller number of players. These represent remote IC communication.

Finally, every player will have access to a private channel accessible only by them and the GM team. This channel will be presided over primarily by the GM assigned to you, who may ask that you tag them in your messages so that they will be notified (GMs have a large number of channels to moderate). This is a good place to:

  * **Ask GMs questions** that may otherwise get lost in an OC channel, or that you don’t want other players to see.
  * **Roleplay private interactions between PCs and NPCs** to eliminate the need for excess text channels.

**Private messaging within Discord is not an IC mechanic and should not be used unless you need to speak to a specific GM in confidence. This is because GMs need to be able to see what you are writing in order to moderate the game properly.**

==== Linears ====

In addition to simply interacting with each other, NPCs, and the world around them in a more free-form manner, players have the opportunity to participate in **Linears**, shorter adventures run more akin to a traditional TTRPG, with one GM directly leading a group of 3-5 players to perform some specific tasks.

Linears typically feature much more focused gameplay, involving less freeform roleplay and exploration, but much more action, puzzle solving, and general [[resolving-conflicts-injuries#player_vs_environment|PvE]] interaction. Many of the major plot points of //New Game Plus// are expected to occur both during Linears and [[downtime_emails_turnsheets#turnsheets|Turnsheets]], so players should decide for themselves where they wish to place their focus, and should be able to have a fulfilling experience no matter how many Linears they participate in.

A list of Linears available in upcoming sessions will be advertised on the [[news|Quest Board]], though more opportunities may arise mid-uptime. Please make sure to let your GM know if there are any Linears that you are interested in participating in.

==== PluralKit ====

In order to play a range of NPCs in session, the GMs will be using a Discord bot called PluralKit. PluralKit NPCs will be made clear by having the “APP” tag next to their names.

If you use Discord’s reply feature on a PluralKit proxy, it will **not** inform the GM who sent the message, and so they will not necessarily know you are expecting a response. As such, please either tag the GM responsible with “@<their server nickname>” (if you know which GM it is), or give the PluralKit message a “bell” react (🔔). Either of these will notify the GM that you have responded to them.

==== Discord Roles ====

//New Game Plus// will be making use of Discord roles for a variety of uses, including moving players around physical location channels. This is strictly OC information, and should not be used to gain IC information about other characters’ whereabouts.